The U.N. Security Council has called on the rebels advancing on the Central African Republic's capital to stop their campaign and join in negotiations to find a political solution to the impoverished country's problems.

The Security Council called on all parties to seek a peaceful solution and engage in negotiations scheduled to be held in Libreville, Gabon starting on January 8.

The rebel coalition Seleka unites fighters from as many as four insurgent groups from the north who say the government went back on 2007 and 2008 peace accords that were supposed to pay rebels to disarm or integrate them into the national army.

Seleka says President Francois Bozize must step down.

Mr. Bozize says he is willing to form a coalition government but will finish out his second elected term, which ends in 2016.